๐ U.S. Military Reinforcements:
NBC confirms that the Pentagon has deployed the USS Nimitz carrier strike group to the Middle East without delay. Additional warships, including U.S. Navy destroyers, are also heading to the region.
๐ Sustained Naval Presence:
U.S. officials state that two carrier strike groups will remain in the region for at least a month. This move reflects deep concern over regional escalation following the strike on Iran.
๐ Iranian Warnings Over Hormuz:
The U.S. Vice President warns that any Iranian attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz would be โsuicidal,โ following Iranโs threats of closure. Maritime alerts for U.S.-linked shipping have been raised.
๐ Indirect Signals from Iran:
Washington has reportedly received indirect messages from Tehran following the strike, suggesting Iran may still be weighing its next move. However, no official diplomatic engagement has been confirmed.
๐ Israelโs Strike Strategy Evolves:
Israeli sources tell Financial Times that if Iran avoids escalation, Israel may pause further military operations, believing it has achieved many strategic objectives.
๐ Hamas Condemns Al-Aqsa Raids:
Hamas accuses Israeli forces of violating religious sovereignty in Jerusalem by arresting mosque guards and facilitating settler raids into Al-Aqsa Mosque.
๐ U.S. Diplomacy and Denial of War Intentions:
Top U.S. officials stress that the strike on Iran is not the beginning of a war. The Vice President and Secretary of State insist the U.S. seeks peace if Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions.
๐ Damage Assessment at Fordow:
U.S. and Israeli officials confirm Fordow was significantly damaged but not fully destroyed. Reports indicate the use of 12 bunker-buster bombs wasnโt enough to completely level the fortified site.
๐ IAEA Caution on Nuclear Damage:
The IAEA chief says the underground damage at Fordow canโt yet be verified but does not rule out severe destruction.
๐ Security Warnings and Evacuations:
The U.S. issues a Level 4 โDo Not Travelโ advisory for Iraq and orders non-essential diplomatic staff out of Lebanon amid rising threats across the region.
๐ Global Airline Disruptions:
British Airways suspends flights to the UAE and Qatar. Israel partially resumes flight departures but imposes tight restrictions due to Iranian missile strikes.
๐ Explosion in Damascus Church:
A suicide bombing hits a church in the Dweilaa district of Damascus, killing 19 and injuring at least 13. ISIS is suspected.
๐ Hezbollah Reacts to U.S. Strikes:
Hezbollah warns that the U.S. strike on Iran could expand the war across the region and destabilize the entire global order if not halted.
๐ Maritime Risks Increase:
The Joint Maritime Information Center reports rising threats to U.S.-linked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
๐ Russia, China, and Pakistan at UNSC:
The three nations push a draft U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and condemning attacks on peaceful nuclear sites.
๐ Western Powers Call for Restraint:
France, Germany, and the U.K. jointly urge Iran not to further destabilize the region and to return to negotiations over its nuclear program.
๐ U.S. Messaging to Iran:
Backchannel communications indicate Washington has told Tehran no additional strikes are planned โ if Iran chooses not to escalate.
๐ Iran Reaffirms Retaliation Intentions:
President Raisi tells the French President that the U.S. must face consequences. Iranian leadership continues to label the strike as a violation of international law.
๐ Israeli Military Operations Ongoing:
Israel confirms airstrikes in multiple Iranian cities, using 30 fighter jets and over 60 munitions. Targets include drone bases, missile warehouses, and Khorramshahr-class rocket stockpiles.
๐ U.S. and Global Response Outlook:
Washington warns Iran against retaliation, with officials saying any counterattack would provoke a devastating U.S. response.